Know why this Portuguese lifeguard chose Goa’s shores

FROM PORTUGAL, WITH LOVE

Meet Vasco Preto (left) who traded the Atlantic Ocean for the Arabian Sea as a lifesaving volunteer for Drishti Marine and found a whole new adventure in Goa.

CHASING EXCELLENCE

With six years of lifesaving experience in Portugal and Costa Rica, Vasco was looking for something next-level in the pursuit of his craft. He found it at Drishti Marine.

AMBITION PERSONIFIED

Originally from the coastal city of Porto, in Portugal, Vasco has worked as a lifeguard in Portugal and Costa Rica. He’s also pursuing a master’s in management, with a semester abroad in Oslo under his belt.

VERY IMPRESSED

What impressed Vasco most at Drishti Marine is cutting-edge technology for rescue work—from AI-powered surveillance systems like Aurus and rescue drones, to ATVs, jet skis, and even specially trained rescue dogs.

LIVING THE LESSON

Vasco first heard about Goa as a former Portuguese colony in school. "To be working here, on these same beaches I once read about is a surreal experience," he says.

DRIVEN BY DUTY

Vasco assists Drishti Marine lifesavers in monitoring beachgoers on the Miramar beach in Panjim.

HIS GOAN ESCAPE

On his days off, Vasco discovered and liked quieter beaches like Betul, Butterfly and Cabo de Rama. He also spent time at the local markets.

FOCUS ON SAFETY

Behind the scenes, it's intense training, equipment checks, and razor-sharp focus — Vasco sets the record straight.

FUTURE OF SAFETY

Vasco was fascinated by the use of Triton, an AI device used for surveillance on the beaches.

SAFETY MODEL FOR FUTURE

Vasco believes Goa’s rescue tech — like AI system Triton — could inspire lifeguarding practices worldwide.

NEXT: Experience thrills and tranquility at Cola Beach in South Goa